Enma's mentality collapsed!
Finally summoned by Hiruzen, only to face a monster like Kazuku!
One kick sent stones flying, cracks spreading across the earth, at least eight meters wide.
Was this human strength?
One punch from Kazuku…
Might kill instantly!
"Kazuku's monstrous strength feels more terrifying than before…"
Hiruzen glanced at the kick's devastation, and this was Kazuku's normal state.
If he used Eight Gates…
The power would be greater.
"Enma."
Fearing Kazuku's pursuit, Hiruzen extended the Adamantine Staff, pushing against broken stones to propel himself back.
"As expected of Hiruzen, clean moves, clear thinking." Kazuku praised, seeing Hiruzen create distance.
If it were Danzo, one strike would've taken him out.
"Danzo, don't freeze."
Hiruzen swung the staff, reminding Danzo the fight continued, gripping Enma's transformed staff, extending it forward while flying back.
Boom!
Kazuku caught the staff with one hand, unleashing a fierce gust outward.
Then…
He grabbed it with his other hand, yanking it, flinging Hiruzen into the air.
"Damn."
In a panic, Hiruzen dispelled Enma's transformation, reverting him to a monkey.
He drew three shuriken, throwing them at Kazuku.
"Multiple Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique!"
The black shuriken seemed to multiply endlessly, from three to six, twelve, twenty-four…
In a blink, they filled the sky, like a storm.
Raining down on Kazuku.
The bell snatch battle felt like a one-on-one duel between Hiruzen and Kazuku.
"When did Hiruzen get so strong…"
Danzo stared skyward, face full of disbelief.
Hiruzen was trading blows with Kazuku, who'd crushed him!
"Has he surpassed me…"
Not just Danzo.
Kagami, Homura, Koharu, Torifu.
Even Tobirama hadn't expected Hiruzen's strength.
But this pressured Kagami.
Per their strategy…
Hiruzen was bait; Kagami's Sharingan was the core.
Meaning…
He had to rush out at the right moment, casting genjutsu.
"Not done yet."
Hiruzen roared.
Though Kazuku was seven, given his strength…
Hiruzen dared not be careless.
Even Multiple Shuriken Shadow Clone…
Might not defeat Kazuku.
So, while throwing shuriken, Hiruzen formed seals.
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Four clouds of smoke exploded around Hiruzen, each birthing a clone.
They stepped on each other's feet.
In perfect coordination, diving to the ground.
Five Hiruzens, each guarding a direction, forming a pentagon.
Above, a sky of shuriken!
No escape for Kazuku!
"I'm just bait for this tactic, but…"
"I'm here to go all out!"
With a roar…
The five Hiruzens formed seals simultaneously.
Each with different seals.
Releasing their ninjutsu at once.
"Five Release: Great Linked Bullet Technique!"
Wind, Fire, Lightning, Water, Earth.
Five elemental ninjutsu surged at Kazuku.
Tobirama froze, stunned.
Sarutobi Hiruzen could use such a powerful technique!
"Using shadow clones for coordinated, amplified ninjutsu."
"Impressive."
"Kazuku…"
"How will you respond?"
Tobirama watched Kazuku intently.
This bell snatch battle far exceeded his expectations.
Indeed.
These were his prized students!
Kazuku's brilliance overshadowed them.
But in truth…
They were Konoha's genius ninja.
Chosen from the start as prime seeds.
Groomed as Konoha's future!
They…
Were strong ninja!
"Sarutobi Hiruzen."
Facing the five ninjutsu and shuriken storm, Kazuku's lips curved into a smile.
Kazuku…
Smiled!
"Hm?" The five Hiruzens frowned, shocked that Kazuku could smile in this situation.
"Your talent is remarkable, in chakra and mastery of all five releases."
"Without me, you'd surely be the future Hokage."
As he spoke, Kazuku clapped his hands, channeling vast chakra into the earth.
Without the check-in system's Wood Release…
He might not beat Hiruzen now.
But sadly…
He had Wood Release!
The ground cracked at Kazuku's feet, a vine sprouting, growing wildly, thickening, transforming.
"Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique!"
Roar!
A dragon's cry pierced the sky.
The wood dragon coiled around Kazuku, spiraling, shielding him.
Shuriken storm.
Hiruzen's Great Linked Bullet.
All struck the wood dragon!
The five elements clashed, triggering a massive explosion.
The deafening blast spread outward.
Followed by a fierce gust, sweeping the forest, blowing countless leaves.
Immense power!
"Sarutobi, you…"
Danzo sat limp, blinking, incredulous.
He'd thought Hiruzen was his equal!
Yet Hiruzen mastered such a terrifying technique!
"This can't be…"
Danzo shook his head, unable to accept it.
Hiruzen, too, was shocked.
The Five Release: Great Linked Bullet was his month's training result.
A shadow clone-coordinated technique.
With terrifying chakra consumption!
Yet…
His confident technique…
Was completely blocked by Kazuku's Wood Release!
Smoke from the explosion dispersed.
Though the wood dragon was heavily damaged, Kazuku was unscathed.
He leaped onto the dragon's head.
But then, Uchiha Kagami rushed out, eyes spinning, casting genjutsu on Kazuku!
(End of Chapter)